INDIANAPOLIS –United States Attorney Josh Minkler today announced charges against a man who is alleged to have fired shots from a handgun in front of the Birch Bayh Federal Courthouse in Indianapolis. Marcus Fennell, 23, Indianapolis, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, discharging a weapon in the commission of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

“Violent crime typically starts with someone who is illegally in possession of a firearm,” said Minkler. “If you choose to use a weapon to commit crime in Indianapolis, be prepared to face the full weight of federal prosecution.”

According to the criminal complaint, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers heard shots being fired near the federal courthouse in downtown Indianapolis on October 8, 2015 at approximately 8:20 am. They observed a crowd of people running from the area and after speaking to witnesses, determined Fennell had fled the scene and was near Indiana War Memorial Park in the 500 block of North Meridian Street.

Officers quickly apprehended Fennell and found a loaded 9mm handgun in the pocket of his pants. He also is alleged to have had in his possession 110 pre-packaged bindles of marijuana for individual sale. Officers also found two 9mm shell casings at the scene of the shooting. Fennell has a prior felony conviction for robbery in Marion County in 2012, which makes it illegal for him to possess a firearm.

This case is being investigated by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Federal Protective Service.

Fennel will have his initial appearance in federal court at 2:30 pm today.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Preston who is prosecuting this case for the government, the maximum penalty Fennell could face is up to life in prison if convicted of all counts.